Owning real estate is like investing in blue-chip stocks. Where stocks, bonds, and annuities have fluctuated, and  even tanked over the past 30 years, real estate has been the one constant. Real estate very rarely loses in the long term.

The best part of investing in real estate is that we're using someone else's money (mortgage) to get ahead.

Real Estate has almost no socioeconomic boundaries. The average middle class family owns at least one piece of real estate. You don't have to be a millionaire to invest. With a little money down and good credit, most people can reap the benefits.

© Christine Karpinski 2006

Buying a Vacation Home Rental FAQs    The most frequently asked questions about buying a vacation rental property.

10 Things to Include in Your Directions for Your Vacation Rental Guests    When creating the pre-arrival packet for your vacation rental guests, don't forget to include these things

Buying a Hot Tub For Your Vacation Rental Property    Installing a hot tub is a big draw for potential guests.

How to Build an Outdoor Living Area at Your Vacation Rental    Learn the elements of building a functional, comfortable, and memorable outdoor living space.

Decorating Your Beach Vacation Rental Home    Classic and understated beach-inspired decorating ideas.

Financing Options for Vacation Rental Homes    How will you use your vacation home—as a second home or as an investment property?

Purchasing a Vacation Home: Second Home or Investment Property?    How to tell if you're buying a "second home" or an "investment property" for tax purposes

Bubble-Proof Buying: How to Avoid the Bubble When Buying a Vacation Home    How to NOT get caught in a speculators market when purchasing a vacation home.

Using a Self-Directed IRA When Buying a Vacation Home    Did you know that you can buy real estate with your IRA?

Vacation Rental Market Q&A: Montana    A Q&A with Montana and Minnesota realtor, Dorothea Lowe, about the Montana vacation rental market.

Ten Ways to Sell Your Vacation Home Faster    Tips for selling your vacation rental home in the a lukewarm housing market.

Buying Another Vacation Rental Home    It's contagious! Your property is renting so well you that you want to buy another. Here are a few tips to consider.

Common Mistakes Vacation Home Owners Make When Buying a Second Vacation Rental    Three common mistakes.

Questions to Ask a Potential Real Estate Agent    How to find your perfect match.

Christine Karpinski in the Media    A record of bestselling author Christine Karpinski's print, tv, and radio appearances.

Christine's Blog: Switching to Fluorescent Light Bulbs (4/23/07)    Christine talks about making the switch from incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs.

One-on-One with Canmore, AB Vacation Rental Owner Richard Colwell Part 2 (Transcript)    Christine continues her discussion on the challenges of renting and maintaining a vacation property from abroad.

Mortgaging and Refinancing Vacation Homes: Part 1 (Transcript)    Christine talks with the President of Colonial National Mortgage and vacation home owner, David Motley, about mortgaging and refinancing options for vacation homes.

Buying an Investment Property on the California Gold Coast (Transcript)    Christine talks with real estate agent, Meredith McKenzie, about the vacation rental market along the California Gold Coast.

One-on-One with Richland Chambers Lake, TX Vacation Rental Owner, Michelle Helterbran (Transcript)    Christine interviews lakehouse owner, Michelle Helterbran, who had the first vacation rental on Richland Chambers Lake, TX.

One-on-One with Washington State Vacation Rental Owner Bob Kelly (Transcript)    Christine talks with vacation rental owner, Bob Kelly, about why he chose renting by owner in Pacific Beach, WA.

Insurance for Vacation Rental Homes, Simplified     Christine speaks with insurance expert Danielle Workman about the obstacles that owners face in obtaining homeowner's and liability insurance for short-term rental homes